driving in spain

8/18/2019 Driving in Spain

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© 2015 Torrevieja Translation | DRIVING IN SPAIN | http://torreviejatranslation.com

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INDEX

Special Thanks ....................................................................................... 3

The Legal / Clarifying Page ....................................................................... 4

About David ........................................................................................... 6

Introduction ........................................................................................... 8

Mistake #1: Using An Invalid Driving Licence ............................................ 10

Mistake #2: Not Having Your Vehicle Documentation in Order ..................... 13

Mistake #3: Driving While Speaking on the Phone ...................................... 15

Mistake #4: Not Stopping or Giving Way ................................................... 18

Mistake #5: Not Driving on the Right Side................................................. 23Mistake #6: Speeding, Illegal Drugs and Alcohol ........................................ 25

Mistake #7: Not Using a Reflective Jacket and Warning Triangles ................. 30

Final Thoughts ....................................................................................... 32




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Special Thanks

A book means nothing without readers, therefore I would like to thank you for

the time you are going to spend reading my ebook.

Without you, dear reader, the effort and hours spent writing and editing this

free ebook would make no sense whatsoever.

On this occasion, I also want to thank the Guardia Civil Traffic Division in

charge of the Web and Facebook page: N332.

Some important details of this ebook could only have been clarified by a

professional view on driving in Spain; this is the main reason why I contacted

them.

Undoubtedly, this ebook would not be the same without the accurate

information provided by one of the major Spanish safety forces on the road.

Thanks again.

You can learn more about the informative work that is being carried out by this

group of serving Guardia Civil officers on their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/TorreviejaTrafficDepartment

Or visiting their website:

http://n332.es/



http://n332.es/

http://n332.es/

http://n332.es/





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The Legal / Clarifying Page

Once again, I appreciate you spending some of your valuable time reading my

ebook.

Legal means, according to the Cambridge Online Dictionary, “connected with

the system of law within a country of area”. Well, this sounds too formal.

What I really want to say here is that:

You can reproduce some of the content of this book as long as you credit

it as mine and use links to my site (please).

You are not allowed to sell this ebook neither partially nor in full.

You shouldn’t distribute this ebook claiming you are the author (I will

teach you how to write your own ebook if you wish!).

Clarifying certain aspects of this ebook will be beneficial for you and me. For

instance:

By sharing this ebook with your people you will help me to spread my

message and will provide them some valuable information when driving in

Spain.

Under no circumstances will I be responsible for any mistakes you make

driving in Spain. The ultimate responsibility for your acts is yours alone.

Sounds silly, but I needed to let you know.

This ebook does not guarantee that things will be ok on the road even if

you strictly follow each and every piece of advice I’ll give you. I’m sure

you know this.




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Here’s a screenshot of the type of licence I’m using for this ebook:

Which means:

Have you already downloaded my other free ebooks?

You can do it here:

http://torreviejatranslation.com/free-ebooks-about-spain/







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About David

Since 2010, I have been running a consulting interpreting business where I

help people of many nationalities with their everyday issues and legal problems

in Spain.

I was born in Murcia in 1978, and grew up in this same city, part of the fast

changing and opened to the world post-dictatorial Spain.

(That’s me in Germany)

For casual or causal phenomena, in 2001 I ended up living in Peoria (Illinois,

USA), having no English language background (I had studied French in school

and high school) and without any real professional experience of interest.

To Peoria I owe almost everything I’ve acquired in my life in terms of personal,

academic and professional growth.

I can guarantee that without those years spent in Peoria, you would not be

reading this ebook.

In early 2006, the adventure was over and I returned to Spain for good,




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graduated in "Computer Programming" from Illinois Central College (Peoria,

Illinois).

During my four years in college, I got everything ready, taking courses hereand there, to finish online a Bachelor of Science one day in the future.

In 2009 I had the opportunity to return to my studies and graduated the year

after in "Information Technology" from Franklin College University (Columbus,

Ohio).

From my internship in 2005 in the USA until year 2010 I worked as a software

engineer.

In July 2010, a miracle happened: I was made redundant from my last and

final job in the technology industry.

That led to Torrevieja Translation.

http://torreviejatranslation.com/







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Introduction

When I was small, my dad told me one day: "the most important parts of a car

are the brakes, tyres and direction".

Although my dad explained to me why those parts were so important, I did not

understand completely what he meant until I obtained my driving license in

Spain, in January 1997, and had my first experiences behind the wheel.

I assume the tyres, direction and brakes of your vehicle are in good condition,

right?

If you are not really sure, go to see your mechanic no later than tomorrow and

let him perform a quick inspection of your car.

Something no less important is the car insurance, which you have, correct?

Good. We can move on then.

You are reading this ebook because you're not a Spaniard, and you usually

drive in Spain (or do it from time to time).

You are a legal resident, non-resident or tourist that depends on your car to a

certain degree.

Anyway, my main goal is to give you some good tips to avoid fines, accidents

or even endangering your own life as well as somebody else’s.

My intentions are not to scare you with "sensationalised" information which in




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the end will hit me back somewhat in a negative way. There are many sites

executing a great “sensational” job already.

What I truly want is that you become aware that Spain is for you a foreigncountry with different rules to those of your country of origin; and of course

where the official language is Spanish.

I spend many hours a week on the road helping foreigners who have similar

needs as you probably do, with whom I hold countless conversations about lots

of different topics.

I often hear and read quite a lot of silly things from people who have no idea

about the Spanish system, and much less about driving in Spain.

Being misinformed brings up fines and accidents, as things are not like they

are in your country.

I see a lot of innocence and disbelief, particularly among Europeans. They

think that because of the fact of belonging to the European Union we all use

the same rules on the road, driving licenses and vehicle documentation.

Huge mistakes.

But let's be honest: a fine is paid off with some money, and stays in the past a

little while after it happens.

Your life, and that of those who are with you in your car (or any other vehicles

around) are lost forever.

Death is irreversible.




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This is something I’m sure you know.

So, to conclude, and as I mentioned before, I hope this ebook makes youreflect about everything you are going to read in a minute.

I know you will have impeccable behaviour on Spanish roads after reading my

ebook

Mistake #1: Using An Invalid Driving Licence

Query with your embassy in your country or at the Spanish DGT (Dirección

General de Tráfico – General Direction of Traffic) to know if you need an

"international driving permit" to drive in Spain.

Remember that, if this is the case, you must drive using your original driving

ID along with the international driving permit; both of them physicallywith you all the time.

Driving using only one of them is considered "invalid driving license" and that’s

a €500 fine (€ = Euro, European currency).

The international driving permit is only for non-European countries.

Are you from the EU? Is your EU driving licence expired? Renew it now before

you drive within the Spanish territory.

Now, I'm going to ask you something:

http://www.dgt.es/es/






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Do you think that your EU driving licence entitles you to drive all over Europe

with no problems at all?

Well, in Spain there are some conditions when you have Spanishresidency.

You must renew your driving licence if you:

Are from the European Union.

Drive using a licence from your own country.

Are a legal resident of Spain.

Obtained your Spanish residency on or before the 19th of January

2013 (or have had Spanish residency for more than 2 years).

Also, if you (any or all four of the following):

Have a driving licence which never expires.

Have a driving licence with a validity of 15 years or more on date

of issue for Group 1 (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE). Have a driving licence with a validity of 5 years or more on date of

issue for Group 2 (BTP, C1, C1E, C, CE D1, D1E, D, DE).

Have a driving licence which has already expired or is close to its

expiration date.

If your EU driving licence falls under the new regulation the deadline to renew

it is 1st January 2016; afterwards, the fine will be €200 if not renewed.

Driving in Spain and being a resident with an expired foreign driving

license is €200 fine.

You can read more about the renewing and exchanging your EU driving license

on these four articles I have posted on my website:




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1. Warning - 200 Euro for not renewing your driving licence

2. Renewing Your EU Licence to Spanish - 3 case studies

3. 9 facts you must know about renewing your EU driving licence in Spain

4. Driving in Spain: Renewing vs. Exchanging your EU licence

How to avoid this mistake

Find out before driving in Spain about the international driving permit if you

are not from the European Union.

Ask at official institutions, like your country’s embassy, consulate or Spanish

DGT, not at non-profit organisations, forums and other unofficial sites.

If you are an EU citizen but have no Spanish residency, your driving licence will

be valid as long as it has not expired.

Otherwise, if you have Spanish residency, have a look at the four articles I

pasted above.

You can read more about the Spanish residency in this article:

The Ultimate Guide on Spanish Residency

http://torreviejatranslation.com/renewing-driving-licence-spain/



http://torreviejatranslation.com/exchanging-your-eu-driving-licence-for-a-spanish-licence/



http://torreviejatranslation.com/about-renewing-your-eu-driving-licence-in-spain/



http://torreviejatranslation.com/driving-in-spain-renewing-exchanging-licence/



http://torreviejatranslation.com/ultimate-guide-spanish-residency/










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Mistake #2: Not Having Your Vehicle

Documentation in Order

The documentation required for foreign vehicles:

Documents that prove you are the owner of the car.

Car Insurance.

A certificate stating that the car is in good condition (in Spain this is

called “ITV – Inspección Técnica de Vehículos”, Vehicle Technical

Inspection).

Your tickets ma come from the S anish Guardia Civil – C. Estrelas

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Guardia_Civil_motorcycles#/media/File:Un_motorista_de_la_Guardia_Civil_%2815032356969%29.jpg






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Spanish vehicles must only carry the following:

Logbook

ITV Card + sticker (if applicable) properly fixed in the upper rightcorner of the windshield.


Check that you have your car’s documents in order. And keep the following in

mind:

For several years, keeping a receipt for

your car insurance has not been

compulsory, as the police forces can

check it digitally nowadays. This is only

for Spanish cars.

However, it is recommended you have a

copy.

I print a receipt each year after paying

the insurance online, and put it along with

the log book and ITV.

If you get stopped, it will always be much

faster if the police or Guardia Civil check

the receipt rather than having to do it

themselves.

(Inspección Técnica de Vehículo)




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• If you lose your Spanish car documentation you can request a copy at

your nearest DGT office.

•

Was the car’s documentation stolen? Then, you must provide a copy ofa police report to obtain the duplicate in the DGT.

• When driving a foreign car in Spain, ask about the insurance coverage

you have in this country. You don’t want to get unexpected surprises

in case of accident, am I right?

•

If you plan to live in Spain and keep your foreign car, you will have to

register your car, undertake the ITV, and change the licence plates

(the process can be done either as a resident or non-resident).

• Do not drive with your country’s ITV expired.

• Do not drive with an expired insurance. The fine is €1500.

• Driving with the Spanish ITV expired is €200 fine for Spanish cars.

Mistake #3: Driving While Speaking on the

Phone

This is a classic.

I don’t know how it is in your country, but in Spain it is totally forbidden to

speak on the mobile phone and drive at the same time.

http://www.dgt.es/es/la-dgt/quienes-somos/estructura-organica/jefaturas-provinciales/







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I’m aware in many countries you can do it. In the state of Illinois, where I

spent five years of my life, it was not banned at all.

Years later, someone told me that a new law in this state had restricted the

use of phone in areas under construction. Besides that, it looks like you can

still use the phone while driving in Illinois.

In Spain is prohibited. Banned. No exceptions.

This includes not only speaking in the traditional way: the phone to the ear and

holding it with one hand.

It is also illegal:

• Activating the hands-free phone and talking while having the handset

on your lap or as a walkie-talkie.

• Using headphones while driving, both large and small inserted in the

ear.

Do you see why you should not do any of this?

It's simple: to avoid distractions that may cause an accident.

The fine is €200. And if you have a Spanish driving license, three points will

be deducted.




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Install an approved hands-free system with Bluetooth, which of course includes

a built-in microphone in the car. In-ear Bluetooth, such as the previous image,

is also banned.

The other option is that, if you really need to talk to someone, pull over at a

safe place to do so.

Do not ever stop the vehicle on the side of the road with little shoulder or on

the motorway as I’ve seen on several occasions.

Find a safe place with no risk to anybody.

(Illegal blue-tooth system while driving in Spain)




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Mistake #4: Not Stopping or Giving Way

Let's see. I don’t know what the word "Stop" means in your country, but in

Spain it means "Stop the car completely”.

A “Stop” traffic sign does not mean: slow down, watch and keep going.

No.

It means “STOP the car”. Push the brake until there is no motion at all.

Watch for other cars coming from the street or avenue you are about to enter.

And continue if nobody is approaching you.

Here is the signal in case of doubt:

In Spain, many Stop signs are in places or crossroads where there is no

visibility. So you can imagine how dangerous not stopping at this traffic sign is.

No matter whether you are in spots with good or bad visibility: a “Stop” traffic

sign means “STOP” .




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Give Way means you have NO priority, but those cars at the avenue, street or

roundabout you are going to access.

Give Way means that you may have to completely stop your car, if

necessary, in order avoid accidents.

Here is the Give Way signal:

And another version with text in Spanish:




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Failing to stop or give way is a €200 fine. In addition, 4 points will be taken

off if there was a potential risk involved; this is just for Spanish driving

licences.


Be aware of how dangerous and lethal not stopping at Stop signs can be.

Remember: "stop the vehicle completely, look, and keep going".

Same for the Give Way sign.

Warning for cyclists

These lines you will read below are dedicated to people who ride bicycles;

residents living in Spain, non-residents and tourists:

Everyday I see cyclists going straight across at roundabouts without braking

even a bit in addition to not stopping at Stops signs.

I have the impression that some of you think you have some kind of special

right, that everybody else should respect you on the road because you are the

vulnerable one.

But you don’t brake at roundabouts, as if Give Way signs were not for

bikes, but for cars only; as if you were not risking your life, nor everybody

else’s.




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And read this question with me out loud: who is protected in case of an

accident?

You are not on your bike.

The metal car body protects people.

Your body is the vehicle body… and this has no metal to protect you.

Moreover, if you cause an accident the rest of the people will always think that

it was the fault of the driver of the car.

So sad, isn’t it?

You are free to move around or do sport with your bike anywhere you like in

Spain (except on motorways, highways, busy pedestrian areas or prohibited

areas for bikes).

But do not provoke accidents.

A person could die because of your negligent attitude and lack of responsibility

by not stopping or giving way.

So little you value your life? Good for you, but do not endanger anyone

else's life, okay?

Respect traffic rules in Spain as if you were driving a car. That’s all. As simple

as that.




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The fine you will get is the same as for cars. The damage caused by negligent

bikers could be as lethal as those provoked by cars.

Nobody is telling you to stop cycling. Just to obey the rules.

I hope you’ve understood my message and start riding your bike with the

respect you would drive a car.

Mistake #5: Not Driving on the Right Side

This goes for people who come from countries where you must drive on the left

(United Kingdom, for example) or where there are no specific rules regarding

on which side you should drive (the US, at least in the state of Illinois).

In Spain you must drive on the right, both on motorways and roads of two

lanes.

If you drive on a motorway being the only car on the road you also have to

keep on the right.

If you pass someone on a motorway, you must return to the right afterwards.

Don’t pass people on the right in motorways or intercity roads. It’s a €200

fine.

To enter and exit a roundabout do it the following way (the red car, orange

and pink do it wrong).




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(Spanish roundabout – DGT / Dlirios)

There is no specific penalty for not driving in the right lane, nor for exiting

incorrectly from a roundabout. It is a standard rule we all know in Spain,

and so we do it.

Nevertheless, you can be fined for “not giving way to those coming from the

right lane on a roundabout, or for not using indicators turn signals and pointing

manoeuvres” .

The fine is €200.

http://revista.dgt.es/es/multimedia/infografia/2014/1008-Como-circular-en-glorietas.shtml#.VSEQ6-GHwng







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Easy. Just follow everything you’ve read in this chapter.

Remember that you are driving in a foreign country, with different rules,

and you must do it the Spanish way.

Exactly the same as I told the cyclist earlier: there are other cars around you.

Negligent or irresponsible actions can cause fatal accidents.

Any errors due to bad habits or distractions are very dangerous too.

Mistake #6: Speeding, Illegal Drugs and

Alcohol

Perhaps the most leading causes of deadly accidents in Spain: driving

under the influence of alcohol, drugs and speeding.

Frankly, you can do whatever you want to do with your life. You know that.

However, if you have consumed alcohol, don’t even think of driving your car.

My advice is not to drink at all, and forget whether one beer or two will reach

the maximum permitted level on the breath alcohol test.




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You know what happens after a few beers… Yes, you got it, you want a few

more. And so on.

Memorise the following two sentences:

If you are going to drink: don’t drive.

If you are going to drive: don’t drink.

These two phrases will keep you away from big trouble (jail included).

This one is a no-no as well: "I live next door, nothing happens if I drive drunk

for a couple of minutes".

If you are going to drink:

1. Agree beforehand who will be the driver. And of course that person

must agree to not to drink any alcohol whatsoever.

2. Take a taxi if you are going on your own, and pick up another one to

return.

3. In many Spanish cities there is night bus service. Use it.

4. If you have none of the above possibilities then do not drink, or do

not go out if you think you may be tempted.




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Anyway, I'll put below the maximum permitted level of alcohol in Spain:

DRIVER RATE IN AIR RATE IN BLOOD

REGULAR 0.25 mg/l 0.5 g/l

BEGINNER 0.15 mg/l 0.3 g/l

PROFESSIONAL 0.15 mg/l 0.3 g/l

And a man of about 70 kg (155 pounds or 11 stones) would be:

ALCOHOL 0.3 gr./l. of blood 0.5 gr./l. of blood

Beer 1 can (33 cl) 2 cans

Wine 1.5 glasses (45 cl) 2.5 glasses

Whisky 1 glass (45 cl) 2 glasses

I could give you the same sort of talk about illegal drugs, but I’ll summarise it

to one sentence: “do whatever you want with your life, but do not endanger

anybody else’s life”.

Remember that there are a number of legal drugs that can be tested

positive in police or Civil Guard controls.

Carry with you the prescription and medication that could be sensitive to illegal

drug tests. Check this with your doctor in addition.




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WARNING: Alcohol and illegal drugs is also for cyclists and motorcyclists.

To finish this section let’s briefly speak about speeding.

This is pretty obvious, but I’ll repeat it so that there are no misunderstandings.

When you see a sign that says 50, 80, 90 or 120, to give you just four

examples, it means that the speed cannot go over 50, 80, 90 or 120 kmh.

Is that understood?

Okay, here it goes a bit more clearly.

When you see any of these signs:




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… My advice is not to go over the speed indicated.

That’s all.

Don’t make calculations if the speed radar has a 7% margin of error, or if you

can exceed the permitted speed 7kmh.

The best way to diminish risk and avoid fines, not only in Spain but worldwide,

is by not driving over the speed limit.

Exactly the same as I said to the cyclists: You're not the only person at risk on

the road. There are hundreds, or even thousands of people passing nearby you

every day when you drive.

Fines for speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs can

be a few hundred euros or even prison.

How to avoid these mistakes

Don’t drink, don’t take illegal drugs, or don’t drive over the speed limit.

Easy.




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Mistake #7: Not Using a Reflective Jacket and

Warning Triangles

Have you got a flat tyre?

Has your car broken down?

Do you feel indisposed to drive?

If you drive a Spanish car and are going to stop on the side of the road or

motorway it is compulsory to use these two items:

1. Reflective jacket.

2. Warning Triangles.

If you think this is an absurd rule invented to get money from drivers through

fines... I'll give you a good example.

In late December 2014, I got a flat tyre on a Spanish country road with very

little shoulder, where you could do 70kmh (around 45mph).

It was 2pm and cloudy.

I do not know if you've ever felt the wind of passing cars near you.

It's like a cellular revolution in your body: you get alert in every way. You can

hear your breath, like if you were the protagonist of a horror movie.




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Without the reflective jacket and warning triangles placed in front and behind

the car I'm sure I would have felt the wind much closer.

(Right way of proceeding)

You may think it is embarrassing using the reflective jacket, but it can certainly

save your life.

The fine for not using the jacket and triangles is €200.


Buy your set of approved warning triangles and reflective jacket right now;

don’t wait until you have your first incident on the road.




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These two devices are sold in many places, even in large supermarkets.

The price of both reflective devices is roughly around €10 to €20.

The triangles can be kept in the boot (trunk in the US), but the jacket should

be handy inside the car.

You should leave the car with this reflective device already on, so that other

drivers can see you from the first second.

Final Thoughts

The police or Guardia Civil just stopped you.

Follow these general recommendations:

If you do not speak Spanish and the officer does not speak English,

don’t say: "sí, sí, sí" to everything as if you understood the

language. Say in Spanish: "Lo siento, no hablo español". Which

means: “Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish”.

Don’t get out of the car unless you are requested to do so.

Behave politely. If you've done something and receive a fine, as the

adult and mature person you are, accept responsibility for your

actions.



Don’t make silly or rude comments, neither in your own language

nor in Spanish; and much less about the police, Guardia Civil or Spain.

Remember: you are in a foreign country.

If you don’t have a NIE number or Spanish residence you will have

to pay the fine on the spot, either cash or credit/debit card. If none

of these possibilities are available, then your car will possibly be

immobilised (or towed away) until you pay the fine.

If you find yourself in the above situation, cooperate and accept that

these are the rules in Spain. Don’t start behaving violently. You

could get arrested, and this will make the situation even worse.

The Spanish police or Guardia Civil will not arrest you without reason.

Just cooperate. Don’t try to resist arrest. Once you're at the police

or the Guardia Civil station someone who speaks your language (or

your lawyer) will inform you properly.

I hope the pages of this ebook will prevent you from getting in trouble and

avoid accidents while driving in Spain.

Don’t forget you are not the only driver on the road.

David Ruiz